EUROPE/BELGIUM - Conclusion of meeting for the Union of European Conferences of Major Superiors

Torhout (Agenzia Fides) - The Union of European Conferences of Major Superiors (UCESM) held its General Assembly in Torhout, Belgium, February 11-17. Representatives from 39 different religious Conferences from 26 countries in Europe met for this meeting, normally held every two years. The participants represented the 400,000 religious men and women living in all Europe. Among those invited were: Cardinal Franc Rodé, Prefect for the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Cardinal Godfried Danneels, Archbishop of Malines-Brussells and President of the Belgian Episcopal Conference, Bishop Karl-Josef Rauber, Apostolic Nuncio of Belgium, Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, Bishop of Bruges, and Noel Treanor, Secretary General for the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union.
The theme chosen was: “Passion for Christ, passion for humanity, lived in community. What can community life offer Europe?” With the help of experts, the members of the assembly reflected on the meaning of religious life lived in community, as well as, fraternity, communion and unity with the laity, the community in society, and some of the signs that show that reconciliation and hope are possible. The Assembly issued a message at the closing, explaining their thoughts on the importance and value of religious life for the Church and the world. The Assembly also elected a new executive committee for 2008-2012: Sr. Lutgardis Craeynest (Salesian, Belgium), president; Fr. Manuel Joaquim Gomes Barbosa (Sacred Heart Father, Portogallo), vice-president; Sr. Danuta Wrobel (Little Sisters of Immaculate Mary, Poland), council member; Fr. Mariano Sedano Sierra (Claretian, Russia), council member. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2008; righe 22, parole 253)